"Apple's iOS 26, launched Sep 15, 2025, is its boldest iPhone software update since iOS 7. It features a new translucent "Liquid Glass" design and powerful AI features like call screening and live translation."
What is the Liquid Glass design in iOS 26?
With iOS 26, Apple introduces its boldest look for the iPhone since iOS 7: a new Liquid Glass design. This interface is based on translucent, glass-like visuals that shift in real time as you move your phone or scroll through content. App icons can be tinted or made fully clear to blend into the background, and control panels and toolbars appear to float above the screen. Even the Lock Screen adapts time and widget placement change dynamically to keep the focus on your background. Overall, the Liquid Glass design makes iOS feel more personal and expressive than ever.
What are the AI-powered features in iOS 26?
iOS 26 isn’t just about looks. Apple Intelligence (as Apple calls its AI features) adds several new tools:
- Call Screening: Unknown callers are automatically answered by your phone, which asks for the caller’s name and reason. You can decide whether to take the call based on the info provided, blocking spam easily.
- Live Translation: Built-in translation works across apps. Messages, FaceTime calls, and regular phone calls can translate speech or text in real time. This helps you chat or call in different languages hands-free, with support for multiple major languages. AirPods also provide on-the-fly translations when someone speaks to you in a foreign language.
- Hold Assist: Hate waiting on hold? iOS 26 can keep you on hold with customer service for you and alert you when an agent is ready. That way, you don’t miss your call while listening to on-hold music.
- Visual Intelligence: Now you can take a screenshot of anything on your iPhone screen and instantly ask Siri or another assistant about it. For example, tap on an object to search for it online, or highlight text to translate or find related information without leaving the app.
- Enhanced Messages: Group chats get new flair and tools. You can set dynamic backgrounds and create polls for easy group decision-making. There’s also Apple Cash in group messages, and now you can see who’s typing in group chats. Messages from unknown senders are automatically filtered out so you only see the conversations you want.
Which iPhones can run iOS 26?
Not all iPhones get the iOS 26 upgrade. Apple has dropped support for older models with the A12 chip and earlier. In practice, iOS 26 works on these devices:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series (all models) and the new iPhone Air
- iPhone 17 series (all models)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and 3rd generation)
Older phones like the iPhone XS, XR, or the first iPhone SE won’t get this update. If your device is on the list above, you can install iOS 26 from the Settings app.
When is iOS 26 available and how to upgrade?
Apple released iOS 26 on September 15, 2025 as a free update. The rollout was global and simultaneous, timed along with updates to iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26 and more. To get the update, open Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and follow the prompts. (Make sure you have enough battery or are plugged in, and a recent backup.)
What’s new in other apps?
Beyond design and AI, iOS 26 refines many built-in apps. The Camera app is streamlined for faster switching between photo and video modes. Battery settings now use color-coded charts to highlight heavy usage, and a new Adaptive Power mode can save juice when you need it most. Apple Wallet gets travel-friendly upgrades like interactive boarding passes and airport maps. A new Apple Games app brings all your games and friends’ scores into one place.
Apple’s vision for iOS 26
According to Apple’s design team, iOS 26 was built to balance beauty and utility. Drawing on ideas from visionOS and leveraging the power of Apple silicon, Liquid Glass makes every element feel alive. The result is a design that’s instantly familiar yet filled with subtle motion and depth. On the intelligence side, Apple has woven AI into the system so features like translation in calls and smart shortcuts work seamlessly. All this happens on-device to keep your data private.
